Living with Diabetes

General

Being diagnosed with diabetes, or knowing someone who is diagnosed with the condition, may throw up many questions about how it fits into your daily life, from how it makes you feel to managing diabetes at work, or whilst you are driving and during your everyday activities.

Being diagnosed with diabetes and living with diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Eat well.

Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.

Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bread and cereals, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.

Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.

When eating a meal, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with a lean protein, such as beans, or chicken or turkey without the skin, and one quarter with a whole grain, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Be active.

Set a goal to be more active most days of the week. Start slow by taking 10 minute walks, 3 times a day.

Twice a week, work to increase your muscle strength. Use stretch bands, do yoga, heavy gardening (digging and planting with tools), or try push-ups.

Stay at a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.

Know what to do every day.

Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems even when you feel good.

Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that do not go away.

Stop smoking.

Keep track of your blood sugar.

Check your blood pressure if your doctor advises and keep a record of it.

Talk to your health care team.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your diabetes.

Report any changes in your health.

Actions you can take

Ask for a healthy meal plan.

Ask about ways to be more active.

Ask how and when to test your blood sugar and how to use the results to manage your diabetes.

Discuss how your diabetes plan is working for you each time you visit your health care team.